Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 12/4/2007

Question
Hi Dr. Goldberg,
I have recently have been diagnosed Bipolar I, I have also been recently been diagnosed with severe anger issures. I am 52 years old and feel like my life was wasted due to my history. I try not to think about my inevitable past because of my disorder. Do you have any encouraging words for this man who constantly feels that because the disorder, his life may have been entirely diferent had I got treatment and a teenager?

Respectfully,

Walt

Answer
Hi, Walt . . .

I'm not sure that I have any encouraging words for you but I often encounter behavior like yours in my patients. Most of them come to realize in psychotherapy that if they devote their time and energy to trying to improve their future rather than torture themselves about their unfortunate past, the sooner they will feel better and the more productive the rest of their lives will be.

Best regards . . .
Ivan
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